Myth vs. Facts

Explore health care myths and facts, statistics, and other news and information. Staying informed with the latest health care topics will help you make a positive change for you and your community.

What They're Saying...

Keith Nagel commented on Myth: Insurers only insure the healthy.

So the "myth"....isn't. Only the healthcare reform law made them stop doing this. Hmmm...thinking the rest of this site might just be....a bunch of hooey...

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Keith Nagel commented on Myth: Insurers only insure the healthy.

Blue Cross praised employees who dropped sick policyholders, lawmaker saysWorkers received high marks on performance reviews after policies were rescinded, documents show. The health insurer denies the practice is a factor in evaluations.June 17, 2009|Lisa GirionExecutives of three of the nation's largest health insurers told federal lawmakers in Washington on Tuesday that they would continue canceling medical coverage for some sick policyholders, despite withering criticism from Republican and Democratic members of Congress who decried the practice as unfair and abusive. The hearing on the controversial action known as rescission, which has left thousands of Americans burdened with costly medical bills despite paying insurance premiums, began a day after President Obama outlined his proposals for revamping the nation's healthcare system.

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savvy consumer says: don't know how they do that - in Oregon and other states, insurers can't drop people, it's a state law, unless for fraud. They can't drop you just because you get sick. If you think that happened to you, contact your state's insurance dept. and raise cain

lostmarbles@redwing.net commented on Myth: Insurers only insure the healthy.

This is nothing more than a propaganda post put on by Blue Cross/Blue Shield (see small print bottom of page). Health Insurers have, for years, dehumanized healthcare and placed profits over the medical needs of their customers. They have defied our trust to such an extreme that we were left with no other choice but to demand fair treatment in the form of the health care bill. Instead of being humbled and apologetic, they immediately began looking for loopholes. Now that's sick!

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Deevod says: I think that you should look into what you are talking about before you say anything. More than likely the "Blue Cross Blue Shield" Is a not for profit company that does not make any money. The money that goes into the company for premiums is paid out in claims.

savvyconsumer says: Deevod -- some Blue plans are nonprofit and some aren't. the one that sponsors this site is nonprofit - no shareholders profit from its operations.

Phil M commented on Myth: Insurers only insure the healthy.

So there are a hodge podge of laws regulating health insurance companies. Depending on your state, your insurance company CAN deny you coverage, they can drop you from coverage based on health condition or disease. Do not let the smoke screen of "states regulate health insurance". Yes, but it is a misleading statement making people think that all states regulate in the same way. Do not let the smoke screen of "the new bill requires insurers to take all applicants starting in 2015 regardless of health conditions" ... makes it sound like the poor health insurance companies will be victimized as opposed to sick people being victimized by the companies. While one third of the states may have high risk insurance pools there are TWO THIRDS - that is over half folks, that DO NOT have it. Further, no mention is made of the cost of these high risk pools. Alabama's high risk pool costs about $450.00 per month for an individual and that is with a $2500 deductible and limited coverage.

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Kilroy71 says: While you're at it, be sure to mention that every health insurer in your state also pays millions into those high risk pools, otherwise the premiums would cost even more. And everybody else with private health insurance is making a contribution to that pool through their premium. Also, You make a good case for lobbying your legislature to get the kind of regulation you want. Can't just sit back and say it's somebody else's job.

Katie Rafael commented on Myth: Insurers only insure the healthy.

This is the best part of the new healthcare bill. Companies wont be able to deny coverage...or will they, I'm still confused

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Laura Marshall says: I think they can't now

Killroy71 says: The thinking is they can\'t for a careless error, but they can still rescind if you purposely withhold info; until 2014 that is...

Sarah Jacobson commented on Myth: Insurers only insure the healthy.

SO, it looks like the fact actually is, that insurance companies USED to be able to do all those things, but, now the government is cracking down. as they should.

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Killroy71 says: Some of these state laws were in effect before federal health care reform. Washington state -- insurers have to accept 92% of all applicants and the rest are eligible for the high-risk pool (probably because of chronic conditions, not just something they had once, long ago) -- that was before fed HCR

HarlanB says: Those high-risk pools are for the well-heeled. They are not for lower- or working-class folks. It also helps if you were previously in a group plan, not individual. Better rates that way. Some of us are just more worthy than others.

bobby mcgee says: HarlanB - you are right, health insurance is not cheap even in the high risk pool. Guess going to the doctor isn't cheap either. There might be a connection...